Easy, Homemade Potpourri: Great Craft for Preschool and Special Needs Students

During the holiday season, when I am not baking, I keep a small saucepan simmering on low with potpourri. I make my own holiday blend. Here is an easy, inexpensive potpourri recipe that doubles as a gift and craft for preschool, seniors and special needs students. Students get a fresh healthy vitamin C treat out of this craft, too.

Materials:

scraps of festive holiday fabric (scraps need to be at least eight inches square or in diameter
pinking shears
holiday gift wrapping ribbon or fabric ribbon scraps
oranges (one per student)
limes (one per student)
lemons (one per student)
cinnamon bark (one stick per student)
whole cloves (several per student)
zester, carrot peeler or grater (one per student)
juicer or hand held orange juicer
sharp knife
one cup per student
paper towel
index cards
holiday stickers

Procedure:

Cut orange, lemon and lime in half and squeeze juice from each into cup. Squeeze by hand if no juicer is available.

Play the song, 'Oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clemens' Click here for lyrics and music video from Youtube.com. Charming little British nursery rhyme.

Remove seeds from juice and enjoy.

With grater, zester or peeler, show students how to grate the rinds of the lemons, limes and oranges. Allow the peelings to dry overnight.

Cut the edges of holiday fabric with pinking shears to form a circle of fabric about 8 inches to 12 inches in diameter. No pinking shears? No problem. Just cut out a circle of fabric.

Place orange, lemon and lime peelings in the center of the fabric. Add several whole cloves. Break cinnamon bark into pieces and add to potpourri.

Gather edges of fabric together and secure with ribbon.

Write a little holiday message with instructions on cards. Sample verse:

When you need a little lift
Use this handy Christmas gift
Soak me in some water hot
Or simmer me in a little pot.
Sniff my cheery, holiday smell
Very soon you will be well.

Place holiday stickers on index cards. Punch a hole in one corner and tie card to ribbon.

These holiday crafts are perfect for preschool students, special needs and senior citizens to make. I like to tuck these holiday potpourri into gift baskets. They can be used as drawer and cupboard sachets with adding any water.

For more holiday goodies, visit me at www.thechristmasseason.blogspot.com . For more green crafts visit me at www.greencrafts.blogspot.com. Happy holidays!